Best of 2012 in PicturesBest of 2012 in PicturesBest of 2012 in PicturesBest of 2012 in PicturesBest of 2012 in Pictures

All Japan Table Tennis Championships

Tokyo, Japan – Miu Hirano during the All Japan Table Tennis Championships, Women’s Junior Singles 3rd Round at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, January 18, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

‰??The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‰?? Press Conference.

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese dancers perform at a press conference for the film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” Tokyo International Forum, January 30, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/AFLO)

2012 Japan National team and the World Championship team selection race

Hayama, Japan – A general view between the 2012 Japan National Team and the World Championship Team selection race in Kanagawa, Japan, February 12, 2012. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/AFLO SPORT)

Anti-Nuclear Protest

Tokyo, Japan – A young protester marches with an anti-nuclear sign in downtown Tokyo, February 11, 2012. The rally were held as part of the group’s campaign to collect 10 million signatures against nuclear power to submit it to the prime minister. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

daisuke_nasu

Saitama, Japan – (L to R) Despotovic (Reds) and Daisuke Nasu (Reysol) during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1 match between Urawa Reds 1-0 Kashiwa Reysol at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama, Japan, March 17, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)

Prince Ice World 2012 in Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan – Takahiko Kozuka performs during the Prince Ice World 2012 at Shin-Yokohama Skate Center, April 27, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Giant Gundam Robot in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – A 18-meter high full-scale model of the popular Gundam robot from the Japanese anime series created by Sunrise studios, is on display in front of Diver City Tokyo Plaza, April 18, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shutter-happy cherry blossoms viewers take pictures of two cats on the branch at Tokyos Ueno Park on Friday, April 6, 2012. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Tokyo Sky Tree Officially Opens to the Public

Tokyo, Japan – Men wearing costumes stand in front of Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest self-standing telecommunications tower with a height of 634 meters opened on May 22, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/Nippon News)

Japan Annular Solar Eclipse

Osaka, Japan – The partial solar eclipse is seen in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan on May 21, 2012. (Photo by Katsuro Okazawa/AFLO)

Women's Japan National Team Training Camp for London Olympics

Tokyo, Japan – Yuko Shintake during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp .at Ajinomoto National Training Center, June 21, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Japan Women's Gymnastic Team training camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center

Rie Tanaka during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center, July 8, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

2012 Olympic Games - Opening Ceremony

London, UK – The Japan Delegation march during the opening ceremony at Olympic Park – Olympic Stadium during the London 2012 Olympic Games, July 27, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

London Olympics Japanese Medalists Parade in Ginza

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Olympic medalists wave during a parade in the Ginza district of Tokyo as they greeted their loyal fans on Monday, August 20, 2012. Over 100,000 people filled the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district to honor Japan’s returning medalists from the London Olympics. The Japan team won a total of 38 medals in London, the most ever by a Japan team. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ozawa/AFLO)

Self-Defense Forces' Joint Live-Fire Exercise "Fire Power 2012"

Higashi-Fuji, Japan – A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Type 10 tank demonstrates its mobility during the self-defense forces’ joint live-fire exercise “Fire Power 2012” at the ground self-defense force’s firing range, southeast of Tokyo, on Saturday, August 25, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Taylor Swift Arrives in Japan

Tokyo, Japan – American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift arrives at Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo, November 21, (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Shinzo Abe of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Campaigning in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shinzo Abe, president of Japan’s opposition Liberal Democratic Party, takes to the streets in Tokyo’s Kichijo-ji on Saturday, November 24, 2012, campaigning for the December 16 general election. According to news reports, Abe and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda are willing to hold a face-to-face debate on an online program. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Hiroshima Sanfrecce Crowned J.League 2012 Champions

Hiroshima, Japan – Sanfrecce Hiroshima team group champions during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1, 33rd sec match between Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-1 Cerezo Osaka at Hiroshima Big Arch, November 24, 2012. (Photo by Akihiro Sugimoto/AFLO SPORT)

Frankenweenie Press Conference in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – (L-R) Director Tim Burton, Japanese TV comedian Haruka Minowa and producer Allison Abbate react during a press conference for the film, “Frankenweenie,” December 3, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/Nippon News)

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013

Sochi, Russia – Mao Asada (JPN) in action during ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013 Women’s Practice at Iceberg Skating Palace, December 6, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

Hiroyuki Nakajima signs with A's

Oakland, California, USA – Hiroyuki Nakajima (Athletics) poses as he signs with the Oakland Athletics as the new infielder during a news conference in Oakland, California, December 18, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Projeciton mapping at Tokyo Station

Tokyo, Japan – Visitors look at the projection mapping “Tokyo Hikari Vision” on the building of Tokyo Station, December 21, (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)

All Japan Bobsleigh Championship 2012 - 2013

Nagano, Japan – Hiroatsu Takahashi during the All Japan Bob sleigh Championship 2012/2013 at Nagano Bob sleigh Luge Park (Spiral), December 24, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)All Japan Table Tennis Championships

Tokyo, Japan – Miu Hirano during the All Japan Table Tennis Championships, Women’s Junior Singles 3rd Round at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, January 18, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

‰??The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‰?? Press Conference.

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese dancers perform at a press conference for the film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” Tokyo International Forum, January 30, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/AFLO)

2012 Japan National team and the World Championship team selection race

Hayama, Japan – A general view between the 2012 Japan National Team and the World Championship Team selection race in Kanagawa, Japan, February 12, 2012. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/AFLO SPORT)

Anti-Nuclear Protest

Tokyo, Japan – A young protester marches with an anti-nuclear sign in downtown Tokyo, February 11, 2012. The rally were held as part of the group’s campaign to collect 10 million signatures against nuclear power to submit it to the prime minister. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

daisuke_nasu

Saitama, Japan – (L to R) Despotovic (Reds) and Daisuke Nasu (Reysol) during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1 match between Urawa Reds 1-0 Kashiwa Reysol at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama, Japan, March 17, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)

Prince Ice World 2012 in Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan – Takahiko Kozuka performs during the Prince Ice World 2012 at Shin-Yokohama Skate Center, April 27, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Giant Gundam Robot in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – A 18-meter high full-scale model of the popular Gundam robot from the Japanese anime series created by Sunrise studios, is on display in front of Diver City Tokyo Plaza, April 18, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shutter-happy cherry blossoms viewers take pictures of two cats on the branch at Tokyos Ueno Park on Friday, April 6, 2012. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Tokyo Sky Tree Officially Opens to the Public

Tokyo, Japan – Men wearing costumes stand in front of Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest self-standing telecommunications tower with a height of 634 meters opened on May 22, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/Nippon News)

Japan Annular Solar Eclipse

Osaka, Japan – The partial solar eclipse is seen in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan on May 21, 2012. (Photo by Katsuro Okazawa/AFLO)

Women's Japan National Team Training Camp for London Olympics

Tokyo, Japan – Yuko Shintake during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp .at Ajinomoto National Training Center, June 21, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Japan Women's Gymnastic Team training camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center

Rie Tanaka during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center, July 8, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

2012 Olympic Games - Opening Ceremony

London, UK – The Japan Delegation march during the opening ceremony at Olympic Park – Olympic Stadium during the London 2012 Olympic Games, July 27, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

London Olympics Japanese Medalists Parade in Ginza

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Olympic medalists wave during a parade in the Ginza district of Tokyo as they greeted their loyal fans on Monday, August 20, 2012. Over 100,000 people filled the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district to honor Japan’s returning medalists from the London Olympics. The Japan team won a total of 38 medals in London, the most ever by a Japan team. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ozawa/AFLO)

Self-Defense Forces' Joint Live-Fire Exercise "Fire Power 2012"

Higashi-Fuji, Japan – A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Type 10 tank demonstrates its mobility during the self-defense forces’ joint live-fire exercise “Fire Power 2012” at the ground self-defense force’s firing range, southeast of Tokyo, on Saturday, August 25, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Taylor Swift Arrives in Japan

Tokyo, Japan – American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift arrives at Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo, November 21, (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Shinzo Abe of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Campaigning in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shinzo Abe, president of Japan’s opposition Liberal Democratic Party, takes to the streets in Tokyo’s Kichijo-ji on Saturday, November 24, 2012, campaigning for the December 16 general election. According to news reports, Abe and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda are willing to hold a face-to-face debate on an online program. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Hiroshima Sanfrecce Crowned J.League 2012 Champions

Hiroshima, Japan – Sanfrecce Hiroshima team group champions during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1, 33rd sec match between Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-1 Cerezo Osaka at Hiroshima Big Arch, November 24, 2012. (Photo by Akihiro Sugimoto/AFLO SPORT)

Frankenweenie Press Conference in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – (L-R) Director Tim Burton, Japanese TV comedian Haruka Minowa and producer Allison Abbate react during a press conference for the film, “Frankenweenie,” December 3, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/Nippon News)

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013

Sochi, Russia – Mao Asada (JPN) in action during ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013 Women’s Practice at Iceberg Skating Palace, December 6, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

Hiroyuki Nakajima signs with A's

Oakland, California, USA – Hiroyuki Nakajima (Athletics) poses as he signs with the Oakland Athletics as the new infielder during a news conference in Oakland, California, December 18, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Projeciton mapping at Tokyo Station

Tokyo, Japan – Visitors look at the projection mapping “Tokyo Hikari Vision” on the building of Tokyo Station, December 21, (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)

All Japan Bobsleigh Championship 2012 - 2013

Nagano, Japan – Hiroatsu Takahashi during the All Japan Bob sleigh Championship 2012/2013 at Nagano Bob sleigh Luge Park (Spiral), December 24, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)All Japan Table Tennis Championships

Tokyo, Japan – Miu Hirano during the All Japan Table Tennis Championships, Women’s Junior Singles 3rd Round at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, January 18, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

‰??The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‰?? Press Conference.

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese dancers perform at a press conference for the film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” Tokyo International Forum, January 30, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/AFLO)

2012 Japan National team and the World Championship team selection race

Hayama, Japan – A general view between the 2012 Japan National Team and the World Championship Team selection race in Kanagawa, Japan, February 12, 2012. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/AFLO SPORT)

Anti-Nuclear Protest

Tokyo, Japan – A young protester marches with an anti-nuclear sign in downtown Tokyo, February 11, 2012. The rally were held as part of the group’s campaign to collect 10 million signatures against nuclear power to submit it to the prime minister. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

daisuke_nasu

Saitama, Japan – (L to R) Despotovic (Reds) and Daisuke Nasu (Reysol) during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1 match between Urawa Reds 1-0 Kashiwa Reysol at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama, Japan, March 17, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)

Prince Ice World 2012 in Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan – Takahiko Kozuka performs during the Prince Ice World 2012 at Shin-Yokohama Skate Center, April 27, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Giant Gundam Robot in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – A 18-meter high full-scale model of the popular Gundam robot from the Japanese anime series created by Sunrise studios, is on display in front of Diver City Tokyo Plaza, April 18, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shutter-happy cherry blossoms viewers take pictures of two cats on the branch at Tokyos Ueno Park on Friday, April 6, 2012. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Tokyo Sky Tree Officially Opens to the Public

Tokyo, Japan – Men wearing costumes stand in front of Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest self-standing telecommunications tower with a height of 634 meters opened on May 22, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/Nippon News)

Japan Annular Solar Eclipse

Osaka, Japan – The partial solar eclipse is seen in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan on May 21, 2012. (Photo by Katsuro Okazawa/AFLO)

Women's Japan National Team Training Camp for London Olympics

Tokyo, Japan – Yuko Shintake during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp .at Ajinomoto National Training Center, June 21, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Japan Women's Gymnastic Team training camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center

Rie Tanaka during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center, July 8, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

2012 Olympic Games - Opening Ceremony

London, UK – The Japan Delegation march during the opening ceremony at Olympic Park – Olympic Stadium during the London 2012 Olympic Games, July 27, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

London Olympics Japanese Medalists Parade in Ginza

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Olympic medalists wave during a parade in the Ginza district of Tokyo as they greeted their loyal fans on Monday, August 20, 2012. Over 100,000 people filled the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district to honor Japan’s returning medalists from the London Olympics. The Japan team won a total of 38 medals in London, the most ever by a Japan team. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ozawa/AFLO)

Self-Defense Forces' Joint Live-Fire Exercise "Fire Power 2012"

Higashi-Fuji, Japan – A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Type 10 tank demonstrates its mobility during the self-defense forces’ joint live-fire exercise “Fire Power 2012” at the ground self-defense force’s firing range, southeast of Tokyo, on Saturday, August 25, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Taylor Swift Arrives in Japan

Tokyo, Japan – American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift arrives at Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo, November 21, (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Shinzo Abe of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Campaigning in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shinzo Abe, president of Japan’s opposition Liberal Democratic Party, takes to the streets in Tokyo’s Kichijo-ji on Saturday, November 24, 2012, campaigning for the December 16 general election. According to news reports, Abe and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda are willing to hold a face-to-face debate on an online program. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Hiroshima Sanfrecce Crowned J.League 2012 Champions

Hiroshima, Japan – Sanfrecce Hiroshima team group champions during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1, 33rd sec match between Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-1 Cerezo Osaka at Hiroshima Big Arch, November 24, 2012. (Photo by Akihiro Sugimoto/AFLO SPORT)

Frankenweenie Press Conference in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – (L-R) Director Tim Burton, Japanese TV comedian Haruka Minowa and producer Allison Abbate react during a press conference for the film, “Frankenweenie,” December 3, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/Nippon News)

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013

Sochi, Russia – Mao Asada (JPN) in action during ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013 Women’s Practice at Iceberg Skating Palace, December 6, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

Hiroyuki Nakajima signs with A's

Oakland, California, USA – Hiroyuki Nakajima (Athletics) poses as he signs with the Oakland Athletics as the new infielder during a news conference in Oakland, California, December 18, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Projeciton mapping at Tokyo Station

Tokyo, Japan – Visitors look at the projection mapping “Tokyo Hikari Vision” on the building of Tokyo Station, December 21, (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)

All Japan Bobsleigh Championship 2012 - 2013

Nagano, Japan – Hiroatsu Takahashi during the All Japan Bob sleigh Championship 2012/2013 at Nagano Bob sleigh Luge Park (Spiral), December 24, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)All Japan Table Tennis Championships

Tokyo, Japan – Miu Hirano during the All Japan Table Tennis Championships, Women’s Junior Singles 3rd Round at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, January 18, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

‰??The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‰?? Press Conference.

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese dancers perform at a press conference for the film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” Tokyo International Forum, January 30, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/AFLO)

2012 Japan National team and the World Championship team selection race

Hayama, Japan – A general view between the 2012 Japan National Team and the World Championship Team selection race in Kanagawa, Japan, February 12, 2012. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/AFLO SPORT)

Anti-Nuclear Protest

Tokyo, Japan – A young protester marches with an anti-nuclear sign in downtown Tokyo, February 11, 2012. The rally were held as part of the group’s campaign to collect 10 million signatures against nuclear power to submit it to the prime minister. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

daisuke_nasu

Saitama, Japan – (L to R) Despotovic (Reds) and Daisuke Nasu (Reysol) during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1 match between Urawa Reds 1-0 Kashiwa Reysol at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama, Japan, March 17, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)

Prince Ice World 2012 in Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan – Takahiko Kozuka performs during the Prince Ice World 2012 at Shin-Yokohama Skate Center, April 27, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Giant Gundam Robot in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – A 18-meter high full-scale model of the popular Gundam robot from the Japanese anime series created by Sunrise studios, is on display in front of Diver City Tokyo Plaza, April 18, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shutter-happy cherry blossoms viewers take pictures of two cats on the branch at Tokyos Ueno Park on Friday, April 6, 2012. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Tokyo Sky Tree Officially Opens to the Public

Tokyo, Japan – Men wearing costumes stand in front of Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest self-standing telecommunications tower with a height of 634 meters opened on May 22, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/Nippon News)

Japan Annular Solar Eclipse

Osaka, Japan – The partial solar eclipse is seen in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan on May 21, 2012. (Photo by Katsuro Okazawa/AFLO)

Women's Japan National Team Training Camp for London Olympics

Tokyo, Japan – Yuko Shintake during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp .at Ajinomoto National Training Center, June 21, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Japan Women's Gymnastic Team training camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center

Rie Tanaka during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center, July 8, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

2012 Olympic Games - Opening Ceremony

London, UK – The Japan Delegation march during the opening ceremony at Olympic Park – Olympic Stadium during the London 2012 Olympic Games, July 27, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

London Olympics Japanese Medalists Parade in Ginza

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Olympic medalists wave during a parade in the Ginza district of Tokyo as they greeted their loyal fans on Monday, August 20, 2012. Over 100,000 people filled the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district to honor Japan’s returning medalists from the London Olympics. The Japan team won a total of 38 medals in London, the most ever by a Japan team. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ozawa/AFLO)

Self-Defense Forces' Joint Live-Fire Exercise "Fire Power 2012"

Higashi-Fuji, Japan – A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Type 10 tank demonstrates its mobility during the self-defense forces’ joint live-fire exercise “Fire Power 2012” at the ground self-defense force’s firing range, southeast of Tokyo, on Saturday, August 25, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Taylor Swift Arrives in Japan

Tokyo, Japan – American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift arrives at Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo, November 21, (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Shinzo Abe of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Campaigning in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shinzo Abe, president of Japan’s opposition Liberal Democratic Party, takes to the streets in Tokyo’s Kichijo-ji on Saturday, November 24, 2012, campaigning for the December 16 general election. According to news reports, Abe and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda are willing to hold a face-to-face debate on an online program. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Hiroshima Sanfrecce Crowned J.League 2012 Champions

Hiroshima, Japan – Sanfrecce Hiroshima team group champions during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1, 33rd sec match between Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-1 Cerezo Osaka at Hiroshima Big Arch, November 24, 2012. (Photo by Akihiro Sugimoto/AFLO SPORT)

Frankenweenie Press Conference in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – (L-R) Director Tim Burton, Japanese TV comedian Haruka Minowa and producer Allison Abbate react during a press conference for the film, “Frankenweenie,” December 3, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/Nippon News)

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013

Sochi, Russia – Mao Asada (JPN) in action during ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013 Women’s Practice at Iceberg Skating Palace, December 6, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

Hiroyuki Nakajima signs with A's

Oakland, California, USA – Hiroyuki Nakajima (Athletics) poses as he signs with the Oakland Athletics as the new infielder during a news conference in Oakland, California, December 18, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Projeciton mapping at Tokyo Station

Tokyo, Japan – Visitors look at the projection mapping “Tokyo Hikari Vision” on the building of Tokyo Station, December 21, (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)

All Japan Bobsleigh Championship 2012 - 2013

Nagano, Japan – Hiroatsu Takahashi during the All Japan Bob sleigh Championship 2012/2013 at Nagano Bob sleigh Luge Park (Spiral), December 24, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)All Japan Table Tennis Championships

Tokyo, Japan – Miu Hirano during the All Japan Table Tennis Championships, Women’s Junior Singles 3rd Round at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, January 18, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

‰??The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‰?? Press Conference.

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese dancers perform at a press conference for the film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” Tokyo International Forum, January 30, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/AFLO)

2012 Japan National team and the World Championship team selection race

Hayama, Japan – A general view between the 2012 Japan National Team and the World Championship Team selection race in Kanagawa, Japan, February 12, 2012. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/AFLO SPORT)

Anti-Nuclear Protest

Tokyo, Japan – A young protester marches with an anti-nuclear sign in downtown Tokyo, February 11, 2012. The rally were held as part of the group’s campaign to collect 10 million signatures against nuclear power to submit it to the prime minister. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

daisuke_nasu

Saitama, Japan – (L to R) Despotovic (Reds) and Daisuke Nasu (Reysol) during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1 match between Urawa Reds 1-0 Kashiwa Reysol at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama, Japan, March 17, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)

Prince Ice World 2012 in Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan – Takahiko Kozuka performs during the Prince Ice World 2012 at Shin-Yokohama Skate Center, April 27, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Giant Gundam Robot in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – A 18-meter high full-scale model of the popular Gundam robot from the Japanese anime series created by Sunrise studios, is on display in front of Diver City Tokyo Plaza, April 18, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shutter-happy cherry blossoms viewers take pictures of two cats on the branch at Tokyos Ueno Park on Friday, April 6, 2012. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Tokyo Sky Tree Officially Opens to the Public

Tokyo, Japan – Men wearing costumes stand in front of Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest self-standing telecommunications tower with a height of 634 meters opened on May 22, 2012. (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/Nippon News)

Japan Annular Solar Eclipse

Osaka, Japan – The partial solar eclipse is seen in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan on May 21, 2012. (Photo by Katsuro Okazawa/AFLO)

Women's Japan National Team Training Camp for London Olympics

Tokyo, Japan – Yuko Shintake during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp .at Ajinomoto National Training Center, June 21, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

Japan Women's Gymnastic Team training camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center

Rie Tanaka during the Women’s Japan National Team Training Camp at Ajinomoto National Training Center, July 8, 2012. (Photo by Daiju Kitamura/AFLO SPORT)

2012 Olympic Games - Opening Ceremony

London, UK – The Japan Delegation march during the opening ceremony at Olympic Park – Olympic Stadium during the London 2012 Olympic Games, July 27, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

London Olympics Japanese Medalists Parade in Ginza

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Olympic medalists wave during a parade in the Ginza district of Tokyo as they greeted their loyal fans on Monday, August 20, 2012. Over 100,000 people filled the streets of Tokyo’s Ginza district to honor Japan’s returning medalists from the London Olympics. The Japan team won a total of 38 medals in London, the most ever by a Japan team. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ozawa/AFLO)

Self-Defense Forces' Joint Live-Fire Exercise "Fire Power 2012"

Higashi-Fuji, Japan – A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Type 10 tank demonstrates its mobility during the self-defense forces’ joint live-fire exercise “Fire Power 2012” at the ground self-defense force’s firing range, southeast of Tokyo, on Saturday, August 25, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Taylor Swift Arrives in Japan

Tokyo, Japan – American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift arrives at Narita International Airport, east of Tokyo, November 21, (Photo by Christopher Jue/AFLO)

Shinzo Abe of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Campaigning in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Shinzo Abe, president of Japan’s opposition Liberal Democratic Party, takes to the streets in Tokyo’s Kichijo-ji on Saturday, November 24, 2012, campaigning for the December 16 general election. According to news reports, Abe and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda are willing to hold a face-to-face debate on an online program. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO)

Hiroshima Sanfrecce Crowned J.League 2012 Champions

Hiroshima, Japan – Sanfrecce Hiroshima team group champions during the 2012 J.LEAGUE Division 1, 33rd sec match between Sanfrecce Hiroshima 4-1 Cerezo Osaka at Hiroshima Big Arch, November 24, 2012. (Photo by Akihiro Sugimoto/AFLO SPORT)

Frankenweenie Press Conference in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – (L-R) Director Tim Burton, Japanese TV comedian Haruka Minowa and producer Allison Abbate react during a press conference for the film, “Frankenweenie,” December 3, 2012. (Photo by Christopher Jue/Nippon News)

ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013

Sochi, Russia – Mao Asada (JPN) in action during ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2012/2013 Women’s Practice at Iceberg Skating Palace, December 6, 2012. (Photo by YUTAKA/AFLO SPORT)

Hiroyuki Nakajima signs with A's

Oakland, California, USA – Hiroyuki Nakajima (Athletics) poses as he signs with the Oakland Athletics as the new infielder during a news conference in Oakland, California, December 18, 2012. (Photo by AFLO)

Projeciton mapping at Tokyo Station

Tokyo, Japan – Visitors look at the projection mapping “Tokyo Hikari Vision” on the building of Tokyo Station, December 21, (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AFLO)

All Japan Bobsleigh Championship 2012 - 2013

Nagano, Japan – Hiroatsu Takahashi during the All Japan Bob sleigh Championship 2012/2013 at Nagano Bob sleigh Luge Park (Spiral), December 24, 2012. (Photo by Jun Tsukida/AFLO SPORT)